Hubert Houldsworth Plaque 22

Hubert Houldsworth Plaque 22

Spen Valley's Hubert Houldsworth rose from humble Heckmondwike roots. Left fatherless at 6, he won a scholarship to Heckmondwike Grammar School (pictured above) and became a barrister. He served on Heckmondwike Council for many years and chaired its electricity committee. From 1944-1945 he was Controller General at the Ministry of Fuel & Power, then chairman of the National Coal Board 1951-1956. He died in 1956 less than 24 hours after he had been confirmed a baronet in London.
Hubert's birthplace, St James Cottage has been demolished, but you'll find the plaque on St James Street, close to St James Church (pictured).